संभाजी [Sambhaji]

by Vishwas Patil

Sambhaji, the young king, the Second Maratha Chhatrapati who succeeded the throne after his father the great Shivaji Maharaj, continuously fought the Mughals for eight consecutive years, but did not let the Moghul army capture either any of the Maratha forts or any of the ships. He offered himself but did not bow down in front of the Mughal Emperor; he died a hero`s death at a very young age, when he was just 32 years old. For the past 325 years, Sambhaji was often painted in black. He had a poetic mind, he was a very intelligent person, he was concerned about his people, he was brave, he was a great thinker, but all his good qualities were over-looked; his personality was always looked upon with suspicion. Vishwas Patil, the most gifted author today, tells us more about Sambhaji Raje, as he has seen him through the references in history, as he has found him in the very valuable yet ignored documents, as he has heard him in the hilly regions of Sahyadri mountain ranges, among the creeks of the Arabian sea. Sambhaji, son of Shivaji Maharaj, a novel personality with his equally impressive, breath-taking, spectacular, stormy yet very true story.

Genres: Marathi, History, Biography, India, War

864 pages, Hardcover

First published November 28, 2005

About the author

An Eminent Author in Marathi

Reviews

[Ashish Iyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book this was. After reading Shivaji: The Great Maratha in 2018, I always wanted to read book on Sambhaji. Sadly I couldn't find book on him. Books were available in Marathi but not in English. I am so glad I came across this book.

The book depicts the life of Sambhaji Raje, the elder son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. You can actually visualize the scene while reading this book. It’s a soul-touching story of the courageous Sambhaji Maharaj. I have learnt how Sambhaji Maharaj used to take decisions during critical circumstances, his political movements, team work and social life etc. This biographical novel paints a beautiful picture of Sambhaji from his birth, his journey through all his struggles, conquests, and failures until his death. It portrays a truly humane picture of Sambhaji Maharaj, not just as a king and a conqueror but also as a man, whether in the trials in his family life or with his temper that led him to making decisions that he would later come to regret. His hardships, relations with different people in his life, decisions and their after effects have been portrayed in this novel. His life is filled with getting separated from those he loved, being stabbed in the back by those he trusted, the pain of letting his second wife and sister getting caught by Mughals because of him, his own people plotting his death, he being blamed for his father's death, last but not the least, his painful torturous death.

It's a journey to read this book. A personal journey where you experience and grow with the story, see from the perspective of one of the great king and leader and mature philosophically. Your outlook will never be the same in life. Vishwas Patil truly is one of the greatest writers of our generation. The writer of this book has written in such a way that you will feel that you are in that era and once you start reading it you will not feel to keep it down without completing it.

The author has done a commendable job of bringing to the readers viewpoint that even Sambhaji Maharaj was a human being of flesh and blood. I never got disconnected while reading this. He has covered the events through the eyes of Sambhaji Maharaj. Not a book can come closer where I lived, breathe and swayed by protoganist life. What is the most charming facet of the book is its sensitivity. The way Vishwas Patil handles his pen is definitely as worthy as how the great Sambhaji would have had handled his mighty sword. Heart touching saga of the great Maratha Warrior. A must read for every history lover.

Vishwas Patil is very well known Marathi writer. If you can read Marathi, do read his books. I am also glad that his books are available in Indic languages and English. Do read Vishwas Patil's Mahanayak (based on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose) and Panipat (Third Battle of Panipat).

Jai Bhavani!
Jai Shivaji!
Jai Sambhaji!

[Chaitra · Rating 5 out of 5]

"One is blessed to have a son like Sambhaji
Who raises his flag in all the three worlds" - Tukaram ji

Firstly, I'd love to thank @indicaacademy for sending me this book as per the pledge of reading and promoting Indic books. I'm really grateful for their initiative without whom I wouldn't have probably picked this book for a longer period of time.

Sambhaji is my second Marathi book and just like the first work this work tremendously influenced me. The translator Vikrant Pande has done an excellent work presenting us this book in English with marvelous narration and the depiction that transports reader to the Sahyadris in the times of Shivaji and Sambhaji.

This book mainly focuses on Sambhaji, the heir of Shivaji's Hindvi Swaraj and his times as the Chatrapati fending off Mughal empire under Aurangzeb. Always mistaken as a drunkard, womaniser and a blot to Shivaji's valour Shambhu is posed with series of challenges to prove the world he's anything but the accusations inflicted upon him. To make it worse there are backstabbers in the court and the kingdom who want nothing but Shambhu descend from the respect of the people thus lose the throne so that they can clench their thirst for power and treasure. How much ever the bad luck exhausted and frustrated him Shambhu didn't stop. His youth caused him casualties whilst he attempted to prove he's a lion's cub but he had what his haters didn't sport, the love and and respect the commoners had for their Samba.
For Sambhaji, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was everything. He breathed his father's principles and lived his values. For someone who stood up stoic next to the enemy throne in Delhi at the very young age Sambha wasn't scared a little when destiny turned Aurangzeb's eyes at the hills of Sahyadris and the unshakeable forts of Maratha land.
While braving the self acclaimed Emperor of Hindustan and dealing with the backstabbers who once fought shoulder to shoulder with Shivaji Shambhu Raje makes sure the invader doesn't sleep in peace for almost a decade. The book mainly focuses on this part how Shambhu Raje gave hard times to Aurangzeb for about nine years who prided himself for the number of temples he had brought to pebbles. Back then it was Shiv of the Sahyadris who snatched Aurangzeb's peace but now it was the lion's cub who troubled him left and right.
Shambhu Raje went to the extent probably more than his own father fuelling the love for Swaraj amongst the people. He saw everyone has his own children and boosted the love for saffron in them. The book is so beautifully written that mere words can't serve justice to it. I always hesitated to read historical fiction but this work made my thirst for the genre so much. The book is about the Hero who never bent down who swept his sword breathing every second for Hindvi Swaraj while cutting down the enemies stationed both right next and shoulder to shoulder. Shambhu Raje doesn't stop being the lion's cub but turn out to be a lion himself. Just like her husband Yesubai keeps the flags of swaraj fluttering high at the sky.
I recommend this book to everyone. It makes you cry for sure. But obviously you can see the backstabbers even now which is really a sad state. People sell their souls for greed in such a way that they cut their own land and offer it to the enemies. However it's up to us to invoke the inner Sambhaji who breathed for the swaraj even at the last moments without lowering his eyes.

I don't think my review served any justice to the book I rather feel heavy and loss at words. I feel lucky for having read this book which helped me take a closer look at Sambhaji is otherwise mistaken a lot by laypersons, including me. The book explains history through the lens of fictional narratives. Read this book, I recommend this to anyone I know over and over. It was a beautiful journey into life of Sambhaji. Your heart gets heavy, tears brim as you turn the page, rage takes over you every time Shambhu is pushed back but your heart swells with proud as you read through his love and dedication to the Hindvi Swaraj his father built braving the invaders of the sacred land.

I found another hero to love and admire, that's Shambhu Raje.

Jai Shambhu lal.

[Ujjwala Singhania · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is one of those books which you loved so much that you don't know how to review it. And after writing a review on Shreeman Yogi by Ranjit Desai, I have to really think how to write another one on the second Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire.

[Little Creature · Rating 3 out of 5]

काही वर्षांपूर्वी 'छावा' वाचायला घेतल होतं. पण एका वळणानंतर ते पुढे वाचन केवळ अशक्य झालं. या वेळेस मनाचा खूप निर्धार करून 'संभाजी' वाचायला घेतल. जो इतिहास वाचायलाच इतकं मन धृढ कराव लागतं, ते आयुष्य खर-खुर जगणारे संभाजी आणि त्यांचे आप्त खुठल्या अग्निदिव्यातून गेले असतील? किती आणि कसे पांग फ़ेडनार आपण या 'धर्मवॆराचे'?
About the book - Sambhaji is historical account about the life and time of second Maratha king 'Chatrpati Sambhaji Maharaj'. It mainly covers period of eight years of Sambhaji's reign as king and his relentless fight with Aurangzeb. For larger part of history, post Sambhaji Maharaj, he was slandered as alcoholic, womanizer and king who failed to protect his subjects. But author goes to great length to bring Sambhaji out of the shadow of his great father Shivaji maharaj. He makes sincere efforts to put forward truth about Sambhaji and that his galore was no less than his father. Long list of appendix and point of views at the end of book are equally interesting.
However conversion of historical facts into novel takes some setback. Some dialogues appear as text-bookish, language seems to be departing from usual historic language of 17th century. Also some of the events are put forward without much dwelling in the mind of any of character and the golden chance of exploring cause-effect relationship of events is marred by use of word 'जाउ दे ' at innumerable places.
Serendipity was at its best when I visited 'Tulapur' just when I was reading this book. It is very serene place, but moment you stand at confluence of three rivers - Indrayani,Bhima and Bhama, you can not help but to bow in obeisance.

[Ajay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its a good book on Sambhaji Maharaj. I read in Hindi. Wish it was available in English, so that i can gift it to my friends.

[Nishu Thakur · Rating 5 out of 5]

छत्रपति संभाजी महाराज पर बहुत ही अच्छी पुस्तक| अवश्य पढ़ें| यह पुस्तक अब अंग्रेजी में भी आने वाली है|

[Vikram Choudhari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hats off to Vishwas Patil for providing such a wonderful novel revealing the facts about the great Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
Every human being should read this book, not because it’s a story of the Great Warrior Shambhaji, but to see how a person can bear the pain and grief for his motherland. This book tells us about the various sides of a true King and a Great Warrior. We all agree that Shivaji Maharaj did amazing work for Maharashtra and the Marathas; however prominently Shambhaji’s work and his war field’s tactics were more admirable then Shivaji Maharaj's.

Finally a must read.. The king who didn't lose a single battle, never knelled..

[Bela Dedhia · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all , a big thank you to @ indicacademy @indicbookclub @1000reviewersclub for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful book.

This book deals with the life ( and death) of the second Maratha king , Chhatrapati Sambhaji maharaj, who finally gets a chance to come out of his famous father’s shadow. History has never been kind to him but here the author finally gives us a glimpse of the real Sambhaji.

Right from the start, we can see that life is not easy for young Sambhaji . He is labelled as a drunk, womaniser, arrogant prince not fit fr the throne of the hindavi Swaraj . He is a troubled figure . But behind this lies a brave, honourable, kind and just heart burning with the fire to prove to his father and the world his true worth , to protect Swaraj at any cost. He is emotional, sensitive, with a poets heart . He often made mistakes which he later regrets which only show that he is human too.

The major portion of the book deals with his fight against the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. For nearly nine years, this braveheart manages to make life hell for the badshah. Using his bravery courage, political acumen n foresight, Sambhaji manages to keep the Mughal army on its toes. In fact the Mughal soldiers tremble at the thought of facing the ferocious Maratha king. Sambha is troubled by internal strife within his ministers, his family members amd his sardars all of whom back stab him at various crucial times. In the end, he is captured by the Mughals not because of their strength but because of his traitorous brother in law.

The end where is tortured is too gruesome. One can literally feel the pain while reading it but Sambhaji never uttered a single cry till the very last breath of his life. In spite of finishing this book a while ago, I still can’t get over those images in my mind . My heart aches for the brave lion cub who was a lionheart himself in every aspect.

Vishwas Patil has done a wonderful job with this book. A few times I felt that a tiny bit of the true essence might have been lost in translation but that’s very little. On the whole, this book was a gem.

[Vijay Rayasam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read book for those who love and worship Shivaji maharaj. Sambhaji( son of Shivaji) had a political carrier of about 9 years and has faught with the most powerful emperor of that times Aurangazeb. His war tactics were unquestionable which led Moughals to fight for 6years to conquer the very first fort which they attacked after entering Maharashtra. Sambhaji's bravery and intelligence made Aurangazeb to litrally cry and beg for atleast some success in his mission in front of almighty. Atlast, when Sambhaji was arrested, Aurangazeb asked him to surrender but he din't, because of which he was brutally murdered by removing his eyes and litrally tearing his body in pieces. Though Shivaji was the greatest leader and had many sleepless nights, Sambhaji was the one who actually had gone through the ultimate physical pains and accepted death for the sake of SWARAJ. Through his entire journey, Sambhaji had a support of a person known as Kavi kalash, the bodyguard of Sambhaji and also a Sanskrit pandit like him. Kavi kalash guided Sambhaji all through his life and was also arrested along with him. Kavi kalash went through the same physical pains as Sambhaji did but did not let Swaraj go into the hands of the enemy. Unfortunately both had been forgotten for many years.
JAI JIJAU
JAI SHIVAJI
JAI SAMBHAJI.

[Chaitanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

thaka zalo me hey book vachun fakta evda cha abhiman vatato ki me pn tyacha matit janmala alo jite Amache chatrapati shivaji maharaj and sambhaji maharaj janmala ale........... garva ahe mala me pn marathi asalyacha.... jai jijau jai shivaji jai sambhaji.......har har mahadev.........

[Omkar Kudalkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jay Jay Shambhu Raja.

[mahesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 2024, during my bike trip in Maharashtra, I was expecting the Late Hindu emperor Shivaji to be famous in Maharashtra based on my historical knowledge. To my surprise, there was another name that was prevalent and on par with Shivaji's name: Sambhaji. Since the Maratha Empire spent its energy mostly in warfare and looting from neighboring states, their contribution towards art and literature is minimal, making it difficult for me to explore their intriguing stories during my journey. During the monsoon season, I visited many places and forts within Maharashtra, and I witnessed the Maratha people's admiration for Shivaji Maharaj in the statues they built and the names they extolled in all their festive events. Unfortunately, I failed to meet anyone who had factual knowledge about Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji. Since they have elevated Shivaji to a godly status, most seem to lack the knowledge of the history behind them.

Since there was no hope of learning about them through people, and I also didn't have much time or energy to read the end-to-end history of the Marathas, I looked for historical fiction on these two historical Hindu warriors. Luckily, I found a Kannada translation of a Marathi book published by Sapna.

Sambhaji is the second Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire who rose to prominence with a vision to establish Swarajya. Just like Gandgali Kumara Rama of Karnataka, he was destined to be the tragic hero. He rose to power amidst treachery from the inner walls of the fort, only to be butchered into pieces through the inexplicable horror of betrayals by those he trusted. He was destined to be great from birth, but his destiny was short-lived due to internal treachery.

If you want to understand the political upheavals that happened after the demise of Emperor Shivaji, this book can be a great source, even though it is historical fiction. The book is well-written, except for the pervasive hatred towards Brahmins throughout.

If you are not from Maharashtra and want to understand the Maratha Empire's events after Shivaji, this book can be a stepping stone in the right direction. It could be an emotional rollercoaster for those who admire Sambhaji, as the author depicted him as a human with flesh and emotions, a king who is vulnerable and capable of making mistakes.

[Vedvrat Shikarpur · Rating 5 out of 5]

The era of Maratha history starts with the great king Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and we'll hear a lot about how it reached its zenith under his grandson, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, thanks to the battle prowess of the Peshwa Bajirao and his sons. But within this time, a great tragedy largely lies unknown, largely due to the cruel end the king had to face. The fate of Sambhaji was full of thorns ever since his birth, and he faced the most formidable enemy, in the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, the Siddis, Portuguese, Adilshahi rulers and others. But not just external enemies, he often had to confront internal enemies, at one point in time even deflecting against his illustrious father to join the enemy ranks.

The author brilliantly captures Chattrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's tale through this book. However, it is replete with fictional events and botched up characters to match the historical fiction writing style. The English version is a translation of Vishwas Patil's Marathi book by the same name, and the writing style is ably carried on even in the English version. Full of drama, politics and continuous warfare, the book is highly recommended, especially for those unaware of the second Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire.

[Agni · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I picked this book, I was attracted by his cover. I immediately started reading, just to check the quality of writing. I presumed I will read few lines, so that I could read the book with detailed attention later. However, I ended reading 2 chapters without distraction. Later, this took me by surprise.

(Now coming back to the book review) This is the book that should be read by every Indian. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was indeed the greatest king India could have. But people have no idea about him, at least those outside Maharashtra. The history of Sambhaji was so tragic but admirable on the other part. He was brave. The original book was in Marathi and was read by few. But now with the translated work in English, there will be a wider base for reading this book. I appreciate the efforts put in translating the Marathi book to English. The disappointment of Sambhaji was that people kept comparing him with his father which made his life difficult. But this story tells us how he defied all those forces and still managed to shine with his extravagant capabilities. The politics behind the throne, epic wars of Shambhuraje with four enemies The British, Portuguese, Chikkadev-Raja and of course Aurangazeb. A Must Read! Must Buy! I felt history was not all that appealing but when I read this book I felt the history in action, in full-swing.

[Pavan Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks IBC for this book.I am happy that this book found english translation after a long time.Sambhaji Maharaj life events are great learnings,which are worth writing and told to further generations to come.As a true patriot of the land,one can connect to story easily.Vishwas patil ji's narration is crystal clear yet gripping.Loyalities shifts if one forgets sacrifices made,so the point of bringing inspiring and heroic stories to limelight will definitely help in one understand
emotion of nation is beyond just land.
History varies as view points varies,As sanjeev sanyal ji rightly said "Vishwas patil ji have become no less than roar of the lion SAMBHAJI MAHARAJ".Throughout the story one's eagerness increases,emotions runs along with the lions.
I hope more such heroic stories be written and told from india's perspective extensively.Those heroes valour and sacrifices should not go in vain.One must be taught correct histrory, to seek right inspiration which ensures stable future.Jai hind.

[Ankush Jogdand · Rating 5 out of 5]

विश्वास पाटील हे काही लोकां पैकी एक नाव आहे ज्यांच्या मुळे यांच्यामुळे संभाजी महाराज यांचा खरं इतिहास लोकांच्या समोर येण्यास खूप मदत झालेली आहे. ज्या प्रकारे पाटील साहेबांनी कादंबरीची मांडणी केली आहे, अप्रतिम 🙌.

[Nandini Kubal - Manaskar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing experience of historical events.. with all the confusing statements out there in the historian's and novel writer's world about this man, this book definitely enlightened the way of looking at his life by giving all the references wherever needed.
Really admirable work.
Thanks.

[Mohit Kalani · Rating 5 out of 5]

True warrior. Fought wars inside and outside the kingdom.

Story of a young guy, who always had good intentions but somehow made few mistakes and many times mistaken for good deeds.

Victim of politics but an inspirational warrior

[Abhijit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gives you goosebumps when you read few incidents. In short must read to know Sambhaji Raja!

[Shyamli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply mindblowing.

[Yash Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vishwas Patil's book, Sambhaji, is a gem of a book. The way the author has told the story of Sambhaji, the second Chhattrapati of the Maratha Empire, is just mind-boggling. From Sambhu Raje's birth to his stories of valor, his immortal friendship with Kavi Kalash, and the fearlessness with which Sambhaji Maharaj fought with the enemies of Hindavi Swaraj, especially with the Mughal Badshah, Aurangzeb, and gave up his life for the cause of Swaraj, made him immortal in the annals of Indian history. I strongly recommend this book on Sambhaji Maharaj to all the Indians.

[Manish Pawar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book By Vishwas Patil sir.

[Pranav Vyas]

I would like to thank the Indic book club and the Indic Academy for giving me this book and the chance to review it.
Sambhaji is a book originally written in Marathi by Vishwas Patil and I have read the English translation of the book by Vikrant Pande.
The author takes us to the 16th century India where the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb was on a conquest to win southern India after his consolidating his hold on northern and western India. The story starts after Shivaji has been coroneted when his firstborn son Sambhaji is in his teens.
This is work where fiction is mixed with history and the author has taken some creative liberties. Sambhaji comes across as having good intentions but his undiplomatic actions create a rift between his father’s ministers, his close relatives, and himself.
Another major character includes Yesubai, wife of Sambhaji. She is shown to be a good administrator who manages the day-to-day affairs of the state while her husband is fighting a lengthy war.
Kavi Kalash gives an impression of a true friend who despite of being accused of various things stays at the side of his friend in thick and thin times until the very end.
Emperor Aurangzeb gives you an impression as a person who both admires and admonishes Sambhaji. This is evident in a scene where he tells his minister if only he had a son like Sambhaji and in another scene refuses to wear a royal crown till he defeats Sambhaji.
Overall, this book lays bare a part of Maratha history that is missing its due chapters in the school history books of India.

[Deepali L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book. It tells us about Sambhaji who fought with Aurangzeb for eight years. He was the perfect son of Emperor Shivaji.

[Parag · Rating 5 out of 5]

good

[Sudhirkumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very very goid book

Very good book to read on sambhaji Maharaj life.
Every one must read this to understand his life for swarajya

[Suyash W · Rating 5 out of 5]

सुशास्त्र-नीती-कीर्तिमंत, शौर्यवंत, राजसी,
कुशाग्र बुद्धिवंत शोभला
प्रजाजनास रक्षण्या, स्वराज्यसिंधू राखण्या
पुनश्च तेज:सूर्य लाभला🙏

[Vijay Arsul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written.

[Rajesh Samel · Rating 5 out of 5]

मराठी माणसाने वाचलंच पाहिजे

एकदा सुरवात केल्यावर खिळवुन ठेवलं शेवटा पर्यंत. अतिशय प्रवाही भाषा आहे विश्वास पाटीलांची. शेवटी दिलेलं लेखकाचं मनोगत वाचणं पण आवश्यक आहे.

[Sanket Vijayarani Sanjay · Rating 5 out of 5]

रक्त पेटवणारी ऐतिहासिक कादंबरी!